Systems and methods for making and using reversible mechanical lead anchors for electrical stimulation systems

A lead anchor includes a flexible housing having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the flexible housing defining a lead lumen forming a continuous passageway through the flexible housing. The lead anchor also includes a compressible retention ring disposed within the flexible housing and around a portion of the lead lumen. The retention ring defines an uncompressed position in which the retention ring has an elongate shape, with a major axis and a minor axis, to hold a portion of a lead received within the lead lumen. The retention ring further defines a compressed position achieved by compressing opposite ends of the major axis of the retention ring to transition the retention ring to a more circular shape that allows the lead to slidingly pass through the retention ring. Upon release of the compression, the retention ring returns to the uncompressed position.